James W. Newton is a Senior Executive Producer at BBC Studios and a BAFTA, RTS and Grierson-nominated director, specialising in ambitious, access-led documentary series.

Most recently, James series directed The Murder Detective for Channel 4, a three-part series filmed over seven years with unprecedented access to the Police Service of Northern Ireland and its investigation into the murder of journalist Lyra McKee. The series was the first to follow a live terror-related murder investigation in Northern Ireland from the inside, combining extraordinary access with intimate human storytelling.

James also directed Evacuation for Channel 4, a searing three-part series made with unparalleled access to the Ministry of Defence, telling the inside story of the British military operation to evacuate Kabul airport in 2021. The series premiered at Sheffield DocFest and received BAFTA, RTS and Grierson nominations.

As an executive producer, James's credits include Salisbury Poisonings for Wonderhood Studios, Super Surgeons: A Chance at Life and The Kidnap of Angel Lynn. His work spans crime, medicine and national security, often built around exceptional access to institutions and people operating in extraordinary circumstances. His integrated partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support for Super Surgeons received a prestigious D&AD Wooden Pencil.

James received a BAFTA nomination for Best Director for Baby Surgeons: Delivering Miracles, a critically acclaimed series following expectant mothers and the specialist medical teams caring for them through some of the most complex pregnancies.

His earlier directing includes the feature documentary Janapar: Love on a Bike, filmed across 32 countries over four years. A story of love and adventure, the film premiered at Raindance Film Festival and went on to win numerous festival awards.